Georgia Representative David Clark has expressed approval of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) examination of Chinese-owned drones. Citing his sponsorship of House Bill 205, Clark pledged to prioritize national security in his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. He made these remarks in a social media post on November 10.
“I love seeing this from the FCC, and it’s critical for our national security,” said Clark, State Representative from Georgia. “DJI and Autel are both Chinese-owned drone companies facing scrutiny in the U.S. over national security and data privacy concerns. I sponsored HB 205, which passed almost unanimously in the House, directly addressing the same concerns the FCC is raising. As Lt. Governor, I will stop the Chinese and other foreign adversaries from encroaching on our state and our nation.”
U.S. regulators have increased their scrutiny of Chinese-made drones, such as those produced by DJI and Autel, due to concerns over espionage and data-security risks. In 2022, the FCC added DJI to its “Covered List,” which identifies equipment posing significant national-security threats. This decision followed warnings from the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security about potential access by the Chinese government to data collected by these drones. These actions are part of a broader U.S. initiative to secure critical infrastructure and limit high-risk foreign telecommunications and surveillance technologies.
According to recent market research summarized by The Drone Girl, DJI dominates the civilian drone sector, holding approximately 70–80% of the global consumer and small-commercial drone market. The brand is particularly prevalent in North America among public-safety agencies, utilities, and construction firms due to cost-effectiveness and ecosystem benefits despite existing security concerns. Conversely, Autel Robotics is estimated to hold only a single-digit share of the U.S. market.
Several U.S. states have enacted legislation addressing Chinese technology and data-security risks, including bans on specific apps and restrictions on state procurement of Chinese-made hardware. In Georgia, House Bill 205 was introduced to regulate unmanned aircraft systems amid concerns that data from Chinese-made drones could be accessed by foreign governments. Georgia lawmakers have also pursued broader measures to restrict business with China in areas such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and land ownership.
David Clark has served as a Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives since 2015, initially representing District 98 before redistricting moved him to District 100. His campaign materials highlight his service as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Clark has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor in Georgia’s 2026 election with a platform focused on national security and government accountability.
The Georgia House of Representatives is composed of 180 members serving two-year terms under Speaker Jon G. Burns’ leadership. Recent legislative sessions have advanced measures targeting “foreign adversaries,” including a law limiting certain state contracts and land purchases involving entities linked to countries like China.
